History of Tattoos and Modern Tattoo Trends

The first marking of a human body with a tattoo was thousands of years ago. These permanent markings varied a great deal over the years. Some were simple and plain while others were quite elaborate. However, all were personal.

The meanings behind the tattoos have varied a well. Some served as status symbols, some represented a religious belief of a person, some were declarations of love, some served as amulets to ward off evil, and some were ornamentations while others were a form of punishment.

The Earliest Evidence of Tattoos

It is possible that tattoos were in existence as far back as 12,000 BC, however not physical evidence has been found to prove their existence. The earliest evidence of the existence of tattoos in Egypt thousands of years ago included:

Tattoos were found to be present on Egyptian female mummies thought to have been as far back in history as c. 2000 B.C.

Further evidence was discovered proving the existence of tattoos on women’s bodies and limbs on figurines c. 4000-3500 B.C.

Evidence of tattoos on the thighs of female figures were also found to be represented in c.1200 B.C. tomb scenes.

Further evidence was found in the form of small bronze tools recognized to have been used in tattooing in the town of Gurob located in northern Egypt in c. 1450 B.C. Perhaps, the strongest evidence of all was the discovery of three female mummies adorned with tattoos previously mentioned to be dated to c. 2000 B.C. Discovered at Greco-Roman burials at Akhmim were female mummies with these same forms of permanent markings or tattoos.

Egyptian Cultural Beliefs of Tattoos

It’s no wonder that the earliest evidence of tattoos were in Egypt. Egypt was a land where people believed that tattoos provided a bridge for a person’s soul to get to the other world at death. Since so many mummies were found to have tattoos on their bodies, it has been assumed that the art of tattooing was used extensively even though the true meanings of the tattoos is not yet known at this time.

According to reports of theSmithsonian Magazine, the status of the women mummies found with tattoos remains a mystery to this day. When one group of mummies was excavated, the men assumed they had “suspicious status” or perhaps were “dancing girls” because of their tattoos. Yet, they were buried directly opposite an area of exclusive and royal burials. Further evidence that they may have had an elite status was the mummy believed to be a priestess named Amunet. Her funerary inscriptions and her being described as “probably a royal concubine” led to the belief that she, indeed, was of elite status.

Amunet’s tattoos were in the form of dots and lines covering her body. Experts believe that these tattoos were believed to act as protection against magical powers during ancient times.

The Tattoo Beginnings

The purpose of tattooing was quite different in China. Around the time of 1000 BC, tattooing was done to bandits and criminals in order to let people know who should be avoided. Tattoos that were symbols of criminals would be drawn on the face so that everyone could easily see a person was a criminal. This marking of criminals continued during the Qing dynasty between 1644 and 1912. However, all tattoos were not those marking criminals. What the meaning of the tattoo as a symbol was depended on the artistic piece and where it was placed.

Between 1720 and 1870, the Japanese also tattooed criminals. Before the tattoos were used to designate criminals, they removed the ears and nose of criminals, but this was discontinued and replaced with the practice of tattooing. However, the Japanese did not place the tattoo on the face of the criminal. Instead, tattoos of rings were placed on the arms of the offenders. A new ring was added for each new offense. The tattoo rings were banned when the Meji government came into power.

The Purposes of Early Tattoos

Show Skills: One of the early purposes of tattoos in Borneo was to show the skills a woman possessed. The symbol for the skill a woman possessed would be tattooed on her arm. The meaning of each symbol was known by everyone. Therefore, when a man was looking to marry, he would seek certain symbols. For instance, the symbol indicating weaving skills on a woman’s arm would indicate she was a good choice for marriage.

Protection: Tattoo symbols were considered to be a type of talisman since they were believed to have magical powers to ward off evil. For instance, the pentagram or five-pointed star symbolized protection. Tattoos placed on wrists and fingers were believed to have power to ward off illnesses. Tattooing for protection is still popular today.

Tribes: Still popular today, tribes have a symbol unique to them. This tattoo is placed on the body of each member of that tripe. For instance, the gang or tribe known as Hells Angels has its own symbol that is tattooed on the body of each member. The tattoo serves as a sign of both respect and pride for the group’s members.

2016 Tattoo Trends

Minimalistic:

Over the past few years, minimalistic tattoos such as this heart shaped peace sign around the size of a pea have grown in popularity throughout the world and are expected to continue to grow in popularity. Major tattoo artists like Dr. Woo and Bang Bang have been inking tiny designs onto prominent young Hollywood stars. It is expected that many more people will be getting this style of tattoos that has been endorsed by celebrities.

Single Line:

A tattoo that is drawn with one single line such as this crane is a trend of 2016. Tattooer Mo Ganji has perfected this technique and also reports an increased demand for this simplistic type tattoo.

Double Exposure:

Tattoo artists around the world have replicated the double exposure photography into a technique to create tattoos such as this butterfly. This technique is extremely difficult to do, but it can create an unbelievable tattoo when done correctly. It is expected that double exposure tattoos will continue to be a trend in 2016.

Cubism:

A growing style and trend of tattoos is based on the painting style of the famous 20th century artist Pablo Picasso. This vase of flowers is an example of this style created by Peter Aurisch. Cubism is so popular now-a-days, it is currently an in-demand tattoo style. This style of tattoos is created with the use of color blocks to shape fantastic animal and flower portraits. It is expected that cubism tattoos will continue to be a trend in 2016.

How Do We Use The Law Of Attraction To Get More Out Of Life?

The law of attraction is all around us, but few understand how it effects their lives. In recent years LOA has become all the rage, and just about everyone thinks they understand it. In reality, few people know that the law of attraction is actually based on the law of vibration. In essence, the universe is an ocean of motion, therefore to be successful you must get in harmony with this vibration. Studies show that the type of energy you put out into the universe directly effects the results you get in the real world. For example, if you are a very positive person you will find yourself surrounding by other positive people. People with positive energywill be naturally attracted to you, while negativity we be repelled away from you. On the flip side, those with negative energy will be naturally attracted to similar people. Now, you may be asking, what does this have to do with the law of vacuum prosperity?

Briefly stated, the law of vacuum prosperity refers to the processing of giving away items and possessions. Anytime you give away something in your life you are making space for something new. Think of it this way, there’s only so much room in your garage for storage and junk. Whenever you give something away, you will notice a space opens up. The universe does not like open spaces so usually something will move in to fill the void. Basically, when you give something away you are clearing room for something better to come into your life. I have used this law many times in my life with extraordinary results. If you have been studying success and development, but are not seeing the results you would like, then maybe this is your problem? I recommend everyone who is struggling to manifest success and prosperity in their life needs to make a big change. This change can be anything including moving or even selling the majority of your belongings. In Feng Shui they talk about all items having a certain energy to them. If an item is in your house taking up space, but doesn’t contribute to your overall well being then maybe it should be removed. In the process of removing this item you are removing the energy, and opening up a “portal” for new energy to flow through.

How Do I Start?

The first step to using the secret law of attractionis to take inventory of the items you currently have. Decide which items you can’t live without and separate them from the pack. These items will include things like family keepsakes and other indispensable items that have sentimental value. Now, take an evening to study all the items you have that you no longer have an attachment too. Think about this, How would your life be different if all these items were suddenly gone? Does that make you scared or do you get a tingle of excitement down your leg? If your excited for a possible change then go ahead and start boxing these items up for removal. Bob Proctor says that these types of items should not be sold, but instead simply given away. The reason for this is because if you sell the items, you will have already received payment for them. If you simply give away the items then your payment will come in another form. What form might this be? It’s impossible to say for sure, but if your doing affirmations daily it will probably be something really good. At the end of the day you need to decide if the vacuum law of prosperity is your missing link to wealth and success. If so, study this concept in great detail and apply it to your life.

Further Education

If you would like to further your education on the law or attracting abundance in your life, I would definitely suggest trying Bob Proctor’s streaming club. This weekly live program can help you further your education and create a better life through knowledge and understanding on how the law works in your life.